Nationals-Padres Preview  —  The Washington Nationals have not won a series against the San Diego Padres in their last six attempts.  Livan Hernandez may finally be the player who helps them get over that hurdle.  —  The Nationals right-hander looks to continue his strong play against the Padres …

When it comes to coming through, Ortiz is the man  —  At this point, it might be time to stop oohing and ahhing when David Ortiz comes through in a close-and-late situation.  —  Instead, if he doesn't come through we should just scratch our heads and wonder if he's hurt or something.

Guerrero's 44-game streak ends  —  Angels outfielder doesn't get a hit but does walk four times  —  ANAHEIM, Calif. - Vladimir Guerrero's hitting streak against the Rangers is over.  His domination, however, lives on.  —  In Saturday's 10-3 loss to Los Angeles, the Rangers managed to find …

Bannister out for consistency in rehab  —  Returning from hamstring injury, starter takes loss  —  BUFFAL0, N.Y. — Growing up the son of a professional baseball player, Brian Bannister knows full well that injuries are a part of the game.  —  But that doesn't make it any easier when it happens to you.

Dog bites hand that feeds him  —  Keeps barking at Bombers on Yankee network  —  On Tuesday, the day after he called Brian Cashman a liar and engaged in a contentious interview with him, WFAN's Chris (Mad Dog) Russo said everything was cool because the Yankees GM could take the heat.

Let's make a deal, but which one?  —  ST. PETERSBURG - At the July 2005 trading deadline, the Devil Rays were involved in serious talks with the Mets and Red Sox about three-way deal in which they would have given up Danys Baez, Aubrey Huff and Julio Lugo and gotten back a handful of prospects.

Notes: What about Melhuse?  —  Backup backstop finding playing opportunities rare  —  SEATTLE — Adam Melhuse has the misfortune of playing behind the iron man of big-league catchers, and the A's second-half schedule isn't doing him any favors, either.  —  With every Thursday off through …

Indians suffer another late-inning defeat  —  Carmona's struggles continue as he blows third save in a row  —  DETROIT — Saturday night was far from the high-scoring contest that the Indians and Tigers played on July 25, but just as with that game and Friday's series-opener, Cleveland's outcome rested on its bullpen.

Lords of Flushing  —  Despite huge lead, Mets vow to not get complacent  —  Carlos Beltran won't lie to you.  He looks at the National League East standings sometimes and can hardly believe his eyes.  —  "After all those years of the Atlanta Braves being there, it's a great feeling to be in first place …

Power Rankings: Restoring Yankee pride  —  ESPN.com  —  The New York Yankees are finally beginning to flex their $200 million-dollar muscles.  With newcomers Bobby Abreu, Cory Lidle and Craig Wilson providing immediate dividends, the Yankees manhandled the Blue Jays (outscored them 20-4) in three games at The Stadium.

PITCHER TELLS A STORY  —  Consider a baseball fable.  Once upon a time, there lived a boy named Matt Harrington, who could throw a baseball 95 mph.  Some baseball talent scouts pointed their radar guns at him and calculated that he threw 96 or 97 mph, and a couple registered his fastball at 98 mph.

Notes: Kent anxious to return  —  But Dodgers being cautious with injured second baseman  —  MIAMI — Jeff Kent is "champing at the bit" to be activated from the disabled list, according to manager Grady Little, but it won't happen before the Dodgers return home.

Minor League Report - Perez Shows Promise  —  Rick Waits watched southpaw Oliver Perez's debut with the Mets organization Friday night for Triple-A Norfolk at Buffalo.  And the minor-league pitching coordinator saw promise in Perez, despite lackluster numbers: seven earned runs on six hits and four walks in 2 2/3 innings.

Commentary: Despite Mets' desires, Willis still a Marlin  —  School starts in two weeks, but School's Out is what the Marlins like to hear in their clubhouse.  —  They also like We're Not Gonna Take It by Twisted Sister, Pour some Sugar on me by Def Leppard and Paradise City by Guns 'n Roses …